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O’Malley Directs Changes For State Buildings

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ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — Gov. Martin O’Malley has issued an executive order that’s intended to minimize potential flood damage in new and reconstructed state buildings.

The Democratic governor announced the order on Friday. The administration says it’s aimed at increasing Maryland’s long-term resiliency to storm-related flooding and sea level rise.

The order directs all state agencies to consider the risk of coastal flooding and sea level rise when they design capital budget projects. The state will also update guidelines to require new and rebuilt state structures to be at least 2 feet higher than the 100-year flood level.

The order also directs a state commission on climate change to provide updated sea level rise projections for Maryland.